The transition to purpose-built racecars began in the early 1960s and occurred gradually over that decade. Changes made to the sport by the late 1960s brought an end to the "strictly stock" vehicles of the 1950s; most of the cars were trailered to events or hauled in by trucks.

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From 1949 to 1972, Richard and Lee Petty were the most dominant drivers on any circuit in NASCAR. David Pearson was easily the third most dominant NASCAR driver. Buck Baker and Rex White were considered to be the middle-of-the road competitors in NASCAR from 1949 to 1972. Fonty and Tim Flock along with Herb Thomas, Joe Weatherly, Ned Jarrett and Bobby Isaac were considered to be below-average performers during the early years of NASCAR.

Forty-six thousand and two hundred stock car racing fans would watch this live event from the start until the finish.[2] It took two hours and thirty-six minutes to completely finish the race.[2] Four cautions were given out for twenty-three laps.[2] The average speed of the race was 153.813 miles per hour (247.538 km/h).[2]Sam McQuagg would beat Darel Dieringer by racing the entire duration of the race exactly one minute and six seconds faster than Darel.[2]

This was the first time that a rear spoiler would be used in any NASCAR Cup Series race.[3] On the day of the race, the factory engineers at Dodge would install this new invention on McQuagg's car (which would eventually cause him to go several miles per hour faster than his opponents).[3]

Individual winnings for this event ranged from the winner's share of $13,600 ($102,578.87 when considering inflation) to the last-place finisher's share of $350 ($2,639.90 when considering inflation). A grand total of $55,105 was handed out to every qualifying driver who participated in this racing event ($415,632.99 when considering inflation).[4]